There is a “blame the victim” mentality taught at Teen Mania’s Honor Academy that actually compounds the problems we’ve experienced. As we go through the grieving process, we experience many negative emotions – anger, fear, bitterness, rage, doubt, confusion, hopelessness, and depression. But, instead of being able to bring these things into the light by […]
For the Broken-Hearted Read More »
Here is the 2nd part of Ellen’s letter to the board. If you plan to send your story in, but haven’t yet, please consider doing so by the end of the week. The board hasn’t set a deadline, but I know they need enough information to be able to decide how and if they will convene
Ellen’s Story: Part 2 Read More »
Ellen (not her real name) recently sent me a copy of the letter that she sent to the Board of Directors. I’ve left out her remarks addressing the Board specifically, but here is the rest of her story in its entirety:I left the internship feeling completely chewed up and spit out into a cold and
Ellen’s Story: Part 1 Read More »
This is the “Week of the Ring” at Teen Mania’s Honor Academy. The culmination of this week is a banquet where each intern will recieve an honor ring. According to wikipedia: Interns receive a ring to symbolize commitment to a lifelong pursuit of God. This ring is called the Honor Ring. The inscription on the
Not every single Christian is called to be a leader. Romans 12: 6-8 (NLT) In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others,
There is a current graduate intern who has commented on the blog recently and in reading his Twitter account and blog, he seems like a really genuinely nice guy who loves the Lord. Unfortunately, he has been sucked deep into the bowels of Teen Mania’s Honor Academy and it honestly breaks my heart to read
Inside the Mind of an Intern Read More »
As any intern will tell you, sleep is a precious commodity during your time at the Honor Academy. You are kept SO busy and push your body so hard, that most people spend the year in some stage of sleep-deprivation. I was so tired during the 2nd semester of my undergrad year that I would
No Rest for the Weary Read More »
A few weeks ago I asked people to send in stories about their experiences with the health & safety conditions at Teen Mania. I haven’t posted many yet because I literally have SO much to post about that they’ve kind of been put at the bottom of the pile. One of my readers, Liz (also
Roughing It For Jesus or Unnecessary Deprivation? Read More »
It is a popular misconception that only ignorant or weak-minded people can be brainwashed. On the contrary, most authoritarian and abusive leaders are very charismatic, charming individuals whose brainwashing techniques are cloaked in Bible verses and spiritual sounding reasons. They even represent orthodox doctrine and do seemingly good works. The Bible has a term for
Could You Fall for Mind Control? Read More »
I was put on probation at one point during the year for not having enough money. My honor ring was taken away, which was an important outward sign; not to be allowed to wear the honor ring was something to be ashamed of. The part that seemed most unjust to me was that I was
Katie’s Story: Part 3 Read More »
I was assigned to the International Operations department, (moderator note: this dept. is now Global Expeditions) as a recruiter for Team Leaders. Apparently this was one of the higher level work assignments, in the informal ranking system of jobs, where grounds and kitchen are on the bottom, Acquire the Fire calling somewhere in the middle,
Katie’s Story: Part 2 Read More »
(Moderator’s Note: Katie (yes, her real name!) recently sent me the letter that she sent to the Board of Directors. If you are just now joining us, the Board of Directors is looking into the allegations of spiritual abuse made on this blog. They are looking for former interns to tell their story so they
Katie’s Story: Part 1 Read More »
Former interns will recognize the title of this post instantly. “Our Word is Our Bond” is a teaching given during Gauntlet week (your first week at the Honor Academy). During this sermon, the interns are taught to keep their word no matter what. They are counseled that things may come up to try to distract
Our Word is Our Bond Read More »
If you purposely choose to practice self-denial by taking cold showers, limiting sugar, etc – is it really self-denial? Or put another way… Can self-denial practiced for the sake of self-denial really be considered self-denial? 17 comments: w said… RA–good question–esp. in light of the Lenten season where certain organized religions abstain from various things..When you ask
Question for the Day Read More »
I hope everyone has made progress on writing their stories this week. Don’t forget to send them to the Board of Directors, here is the info you’ll need. It’s been odd to have the blog so quiet these past few days – I’ve missed interacting with all of you! Regular posting will resume next week. For
I know that writing down your Teen Mania experience is a daunting task. The Honor Academy affected us physically, spiritually, emotionally – where do we even begin? What things are important for the board of directors to know and what things should you skip? And how do you even define the issues when you probably
Writing Your Experience Read More »
What Happens If You Preach a False Gospel? The gospel: distorted;God: deserted;the preacher: damned. (Gal. 1:6-9) by Justin Taylor This post caught my eye because I’ve definitely seen the first two happen… In truth, this thought actually makes me sick. I don’t want anybody damned. I really don’t. Dave Hasz and Ron Luce, please quit
The Ramifications of a False Gospel Read More »
I recently sent each member of the Teen Mania Board of Directors a certified letter outlining my main concerns with the Honor Academy. I am pleased to report that the Board has just contacted me regarding that letter. I spoke with their point person and we had a very positive and warm conversation. The Board
According to a current intern, last week Ron Luce preached a message he called the “Tale of the 2 Deserters.” The sermon was Luce’s interpretation of the parable of the Prodigal Son. Based on the notes I was given, Luce’s key take away seems to be an emphasis on “not deserting God.” There are ‘followers’
Tale of Two Deserters (or, Dude, Where’s My Gospel?) Read More »
I was on the Honor Council for 2 terms (once as an intern and once as a GI). I look back now and am extremely saddened when I think about the people I hurt with my harsh punishments. During my first term on the Honor Council, we were all very strict. We did not deliberate
Lauren’s Story: The Honor Council Read More »
(2021 Update: The videos embedded in this post have since been taken down. If anyone happens to have the training videos described here, please email recoveringalumni@recoveringalumni.blog) So, what did the Honor Council decide in our mock case? In the training videos linked below, you can see their deliberation process. (Thanks to my readers for sending
Honor Council, pt. 2 Read More »
When you violate the rules at the Honor Academy, you are brought before the Honor Council. The Honor Council is comprised of other interns who have been voted to be “the most honorable.” They will hear your case and give the leadership a recommendation for your punishment, either probation or dismissal. According to their training
The Honor Council pt. 1 Read More »
In preparation for some posts on the Honor Council next week, I leave you with this entry in “the Bible according to Teen Mania.” If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the stay with the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for
The Bible According to Teen Mania #7 Read More »
The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector from Luke 18 (in present day terms). To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the auditorium to pray, one an Honor Academy intern and the other a namby-pamby Christian who didn’t
I was an intern in January of 1999. I dropped out of college in the middle of my sophomore year, convinced that I was supposed to be a world changer. I was placed as an Administrative Assistant. I had zero office experience, but I was willing to learn. I was also placed in a position
